Shared links: Balakrishnan (left) and Onn Hafiz applauding the release of 100 pigeons at the Causeway. also present was Tunku Ismail (centre at the back). — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: It was a historic moment for Malaysia and Singapore as the two nations marked the centennial anniversary of the Causeway, a link that has been connecting generations of people from both sides.
The milestone of one of the busiest border crossings in the world was celebrated with a simple but meaningful ceremony yesterday where 100 pigeons were released.
The event, held at the “zero mark” of the Causeway separating Malaysia and Singapore, was witnessed by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
During the ceremony, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also exchanged mementoes to commemorate the anniversary of the countries’ shared border.
They then released the birds that symbolised the Causeway’s 100-year journey.
Onn Hafiz said the anniversary was a meaningful day for all Malaysians and Singaporeans.
“Today, we witnessed the 100th anniversary celebration of the Johor Causeway, which is very significant for Johoreans, Malaysians and Singaporeans.
“We hope that this celebration could further strengthen the kinship and neighbourly relationship between both countries,” he said, adding that he was also grateful to the Johor Regent for gracing the ceremony.
Onn Hafiz said this to the media at the Tokoh Johor museum here yesterday after witnessing the celebration earlier in the morning.
He added that the ceremony, which lasted only about half an hour, went smoothly without causing major congestion.
“We tried to minimise congestion by keeping as many roads open as possible. The ceremony also only took 30 minutes.
“However, I would like to apologise if it had caused any inconvenience to the public. This is not something that we get to experience anytime soon,” he said.
After the event, delegates from Johor, who included the Mentri Besar and state executive councillors, performed Friday prayers at a mosque in Singapore before heading to the Woodlands Civic Centre to mark the anniversary.
In a statement on Facebook, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he hopes the two countries could strengthen their ties further in the next 100 years.
“I look forward to strengthening the links and our relationship for the next 100 years.
“Singapore and Malaysia are working on projects in many areas – health, education, culture and trade, and in emerging areas like digital economy and renewable energy,” he wrote.
The Causeway was officially opened on June 28, 1924, by the Federated Malay States High Commissioner Sir Laurence Guillemard.
It was witnessed by Johor Ruler Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar as well as other Malay Rulers.
An estimated 300,000 commuters use the 1.05km Causeway to travel between Johor and Singapore daily.
